Gunmen suspected to be bandits have abducted a Catholic priest and several other persons, and killed three security operatives during a rescue operation in Ningi village, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Kafanchan confirmed that the abducted cleric is Reverend Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku community.
Although the police are yet to issue an official statement on the incident, residents said the attack occurred in the early hours of Saturday, around 3:20 a.m., when armed men invaded the priest’s residence. Church authorities disclosed that Father Asuwaye was taken away alongside other individuals during the raid.
In the course of rescue efforts, three security operatives deployed to the area were reportedly ambushed and killed by the attackers.
Confirming the incident in a statement, the Diocesan Chancellor, Very Reverend Father Jacob Shanet, expressed deep sorrow over the development, describing it as a tragic moment for both the Church and the affected community. He also confirmed the killing of the three security personnel.
Security agencies have since launched a manhunt for the assailants. Sources at the Kaduna State Police Command said operatives are currently combing the Kauru axis in an effort to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
